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Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files #8)

by Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author)

4.39 of 5 stars 4.39 · rating details · 34,475 ratings · 862 reviews

There's no love lost between Harry Dresden, the only wizard in the Chicago phone book, and the White Council of Wizards, who find him brash and undisciplined. But war with the vampires has thinned their ranks, so the Council has drafted Harry as a Warden and assigned him to look into rumors of black magic in the Windy City.

As Harry adjusts to his new role, another problem...more

Mass Market Paperback, 479 pages

Published February 6th 2007 by Roc (first published February 1st 2006)

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Urban Fantasy With Male Lead Characters

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Jul 05, 2011 Callista rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, five-stars, read-more-than-once, mystery-contemp-american, favourite-authors

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. [First read 30 Apr - 9 May '10][Re-read June-early July '11]
Wow, I thought this one was fantastic! It's a good book by any measure, but I'm especially impressed that the 8th book in a series is this good! Excellent structure, tight plotting, lots of heart and humour and action.
I really liked the way Harry dealt with Molly. He's really taking the high road and being responsible. While Molly's situation does mirror his own youthful experiences a bit--as well as putting Harry in the "Obi-Wan" posit...more

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Sep 25, 2008 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-challenge, fantasy, read-in-2008

The eighth novel in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files centers around scary things happening at a horror covention--and no, I don't just mean the con-funk from devotees who don't bathe for several days.

Harry is pulled into an investigation of strange monsters attacking people around town, all of it centering at the local horror convention. The setting allows Butcher to lovingly poke fun at fan conventions but also to pay homage to them.

Before you know it, Harry's on the track of greater conspiracies...more

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Apr 28, 2013 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

Though not quite as thoroughly riveting as the preceding entry, Dead Beat, this is an entertaining and ultimately important entry in the Dresden Files. More is learned about multiple members of the Carpenter family. A major new character is established. Harry's life changes in more than one way as a result of the circumstances in this story.

The mystery that sets things in motion is one of the better ones: A teenage boy is falsely accused of issuing a vicious beating in a restroom where nobody el...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: what-modern-fantasy, why-favorite-series, why-favorite-authors, what-male-protagonist, what-vampires, what-fae

Not as good as some, but definitely strong and both dramatic and funny as usual. The book is fast paced and difficult to put down. The plot was much less save-the-world than usual but still fairly intense. A great new smart and brave African American character is brought in who I hope and expect to show up in later books in the series. My only real problem with the book is that Harry got very scared way too early on. I expected it to play into the plot, i.e., that he was scared because the villa...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Sarah Maddaford rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: interlibraryloan, audio, need-to-read-something-else-first, creatures, dogs, fantasy, modern, mystery, mythology-misc, mythology-biblical, political, portal-fantasy, supernatural, war, vampire, mythology-celtic

May contain minor spoilers. Read at your own peril.

I knew who the warlock was even before I accidentally spoiled myself by looking up the Laws of Magic on Wikipedia (they need a non-spoiler version...). It was fairly obvious, I think Harry was just trying to deny it even to himself.

I have to say that I love the faeries in this series more every time I see them even though the winter fey creep me out immensely. They don't think or act like people. They follow a completely different set of rules....more May contain minor spoilers. Read at your own peril.

I knew who the warlock was even before I accidentally spoiled myself by looking up the Laws of Magic on Wikipedia (they need a non-spoiler version...). It was fairly obvious, I think Harry was just trying to deny it even to himself.

I have to say that I love the faeries in this series more every time I see them even though the winter fey creep me out immensely. They don't think or act like people. They follow a completely different set of rules. It makes them difficult to deal with and I thoroughly enjoy reading about Harry struggling with them. Finding out that they played him every time is pretty sweet for the reader (at least the ones playing him this time around were on his side for the most part).

Thomas was awesome yet again. His fighting prowess is just impressive, though I'm not sure I'd want to stick around my half-brother who happens to be a supernatural magnet for trouble even if I did have superpowers (he's obviously a much better person than most people despite sucking the life out of people for sustenance).

I wish they hadn't gotten into the "Harry and Murphy should be together" thing. I love Murphy as a character, but I'm just not sure I want them to date each other. I think it would greatly diminish her character to be the love interest.

Charity proved to be a more interesting character than I previously thought. I already liked Michael and somewhat respected Charity (for taking care of all those kids if nothing else), but I really couldn't stand the way she treated Harry. Even with the new explanation, I still think she owed him, but Harry's too good of a guy to make her own up to it. Anyway, I guess she was just being Momma Bear.

Oh, and I can't wait for more of Mouse because obviously the dog is not just an awesome dog. He is more than just an intelligent sidekick. I seriously hope the others in the litter had the same qualities...

The language was a lot more adult in this one with at least 4 or five instances of the f-bomb that I didn't really feel were necessary (for one I don't really think that they fit Harry's character; if they had been from someone else I might have been less jarred). I rather appreciated the use of other euphemisms like stars and stones and Hell's bells. And him using it to get a teenage girl to sit back down just seemed excessive. There was some sexuality including a minor's (seventeen year old) attempt to get an adult to engage in sexual activity, talk about incubus habits, talk about the seventeen year old's other experience and masturbation. There was also a Winter Lady discussing how long it had been since Harry had last gotten any and getting off on pain and death. As for violence, there were beatings by incorporeal beings, torture of a couple beings through both psychological and physical means, murders (by sickle and by a predatory animal), a couple of hit and runs (including one on an animal), an assault on a castle with Hellfire and talk of battles between wizards and vampires.(less)

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Dec 07, 2008 Weylin rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a solid addition to the Dresden Files. However, it did seem that the story/mystery was thin as opposed to the last books. This edition felt as if it is being used as a catalyst for broader events to come and character growth for Dresden (more episodic other than stand alone story). Still, this book was a lot of fun, made me laugh out loud many times, and I can't wait to read whats next.

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Nov 22, 2011 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, r-2009, series, fantasy, urban-fantasy

Now a Warden for the White Counsel, Harry Dresden is officially responsible for any violations of the Laws of Magic within Chicago. His mentor and friend has asked him to find out why the Fey Summer Court will not aid the Counsel in the war against the Red Court Vampires. Then he receives a message from an enigmatic senior counsel wizard that alerts him to the practice of black magic taking place in the city. Add to this vicious attacks at a theater and a horror convention and Harry finds himsel...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Maythavee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 17, 2013 Spinster rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, vampires

Still loving Harry, loving the world built around him and loving the other characters. Like a few times before, the book starts hilarious but there are fewer and fewer laughs as the story goes on.

Harry has been a less-than-perfect hero from the start with all the brooding and weaknesses. In Proven Guilty it all got more interesting still. I love flawed characters and maybe the only thing that has bugged me about Harry were his chivalrousness and incapability of cussing. Here we hear Harry using...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Books-treasureortrash rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fantasy, reviewed

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes

There are monsters mauling and murdering people at a convention. Harry is now an unlikely warden for the White Counsel and needs to investigate, plus he is secretly exploring the anomalies within the Fae courts because there is a traitor operating on the Counsel. The war against the Red Vampire Court is not going well, and Molly, the grown daughter of Harry’s friend, Michael, a Knight of the Sword and a true fighter against evil, is in trouble. Harry has a heavy load...more Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes

There are monsters mauling and murdering people at a convention. Harry is now an unlikely warden for the White Counsel and needs to investigate, plus he is secretly exploring the anomalies within the Fae courts because there is a traitor operating on the Counsel. The war against the Red Vampire Court is not going well, and Molly, the grown daughter of Harry’s friend, Michael, a Knight of the Sword and a true fighter against evil, is in trouble. Harry has a heavy load, but in true Dresden form, he takes care of business.

Proven Guilty is the eighth book in The Dresden Files. Jim Butcher has currently written 14 books in this series. He has also written 6 books in the Codex Alera Series, which is closer to High Fantasy than the Dresden Files. See my review of these books at http://books-treasureortrash.com/seri... The Dresden Files are considered Contemporary Fantasy and sometimes are referred to as Urban Fantasy. They can also fall into the Detective genre since Harry solves a case in each book. Each book is told in the first person narrative from Harry Dresden’s point on view as we follow him through his life while he solves his current case.

Proven Guilty has plenty going on and it is spellbinding from the first to the last page. There is lots of action interspersed with the reveal of some interesting new facts. The book begins with the execution of a teenage wizard who violated the rules of magic and caused the death of his family. For Harry, this is too close to home considering his history and it also adds a sense of weight onto Molly’s illegal use of magic. Molly is a great character and she adds a fascinating new dimension to the storyline. The depth of detail that Mr. Butcher uses to describe the scenes within the Winter court is really well executed.

This is a standalone story which builds up to a fabulous and exciting ending, but the books should be read in sequence for the best appreciation of the characters and the world that Mr. Butcher creates. I recommend this book as a very good read. I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next book in the series, White Night.

For more of my reviews go to http://books-treasureortrash.com (less)

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Nov 02, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fae, been-waiting-for, contemporary, funny, geeky, magic, reread, urban-fantasy

I tore through this one, pretty much. I started reading around 10 pm, after my meeting was over, and stayed up till (gulp) 3:15 am. I was in bed, though, so at least my body was resting...[return][return]I liked this one. Probably not as much as some of the other Dresden Files (I've yet to put them in "most liked" order, so I'm not sure which is my favorite right now) but it was good. Jim Butcher has a way of injecting humor into the most serious of situations, and of dropping bombs on you that...more I tore through this one, pretty much. I started reading around 10 pm, after my meeting was over, and stayed up till (gulp) 3:15 am. I was in bed, though, so at least my body was resting...[return][return]I liked this one. Probably not as much as some of the other Dresden Files (I've yet to put them in "most liked" order, so I'm not sure which is my favorite right now) but it was good. Jim Butcher has a way of injecting humor into the most serious of situations, and of dropping bombs on you that were not expected. His writing flows very well, and I think I caught only one copy-editing mistake (that's what you get for first editions, but much, much, better than the first-run hardbacks by Laurell K Hamilton). I have to admit, I'm in awe of the way he can switch from comedic fantastical crime to high fantasy. Reading both series at the same time will give you that insight, I guess :)[return][return]This one didn't give me quite the tingle that others did, though I'm glad we got to see so many bits from other books in the series. Too bad Harry's not getting the romance he needs (no comments on my love life, thanks) and there's still a bunch of questions hanging around. We still haven't gotten the big picture of who (or what) is behind all the maniacal goings-on in the world of that other wizard called Harry, but as I just read, there are 20 predicted books in this series, so I guess it would be silly to unveil that plan for world domination just yet ;)[return][return]I really want to know what Mouse is (aside from a Caucasian, hahah) and I would have liked to see more of Bob. And Little Chicago? So all that power went back to Harry. What did he do with it? Was that all that let him get through what he went through? The writing about SplatterCon!!! (it's misspelled without the exclamation points) makes me want to get to a con again. Maybe soon. Molly was a nice character, and it will be interesting to see how she and Harry get along. So he can't be in a mentor-apprentice relationship without some sort of sexual tension (ie Elaine)? Hmm.[return][return]Of course, now that I've read it, I can't wait for the next one. Maybe we'll see Butters and his amazing polka skills again. Would have liked to have seen Warden Luccio more. Wonder what will happen with the Merlin. Seems like Harry's either being set up to take a great fall or great responsibility. Oh, wait. He already has that...[return][return](from my site: http://etoiline.com/coronach/2006/04/...:(less)

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Aug 10, 2012 Meg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: noir-fusion

Proven Guilty
OR
Minors Are Not Minor Problems
OR
This Is Only Illegal In Forty States (Including This One, Whoops)

I really liked the set up for this one. The convention, the kind of enemies, and yes, the whole arch with Molly and Harry. I also feel like we're really getting into the meaty part of the over all plot of the series. All of the pieces are in place, now it's just watching the dominoes start to fall. Looking forward to seeing where the meta plot takes us and hoping to see a lot more fall...more

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Aug 06, 2012 William Thomas rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: authors-who-got-old-quick, dont-believe-the-hype

Jim Butcher is a creep. And not the cool kind of creep like Bukowski that you romanticize, but like Ezra from 'Pretty Little Liars' kind of creep. Seriously, Butcher, I'm not putting this one on Harry. The last few pages of this book made my skin crawl. Sexualizing an underage character and Harry blatantly lusting after her and beating himself up over it and trying to moralize it is just... awful. But like I said, this isn't Harry. This is some weird thing Jim Butcher has going on in his head. W...more Jim Butcher is a creep. And not the cool kind of creep like Bukowski that you romanticize, but like Ezra from 'Pretty Little Liars' kind of creep. Seriously, Butcher, I'm not putting this one on Harry. The last few pages of this book made my skin crawl. Sexualizing an underage character and Harry blatantly lusting after her and beating himself up over it and trying to moralize it is just... awful. But like I said, this isn't Harry. This is some weird thing Jim Butcher has going on in his head. Was he substitute teaching while writing this one? I mean, he talks about her body, and piercings that you 'can't see' and I wondered which one of his friends' daughters he is lusting after in real life.

Aside from that, this book is mostly just an interlude. It's a way for Butcher to get from one book to another and introduce his concubine, Molly. There's really nothing going on iin this book that alters the Dresden universe, and really, this book can just be skipped entirely. I mean, Butcher starts to repeat himself even more than ever. Not just plot points of other books, but full sentences, sentiments and other diatribes.

On top of that, I don't think Butcher has ever actually seen another human being. Or rather, he's never payed attention to another person's body language. For some reason, he's addicted to writiing that his characters 'changed their stance' while in the middle of conversations. What? Are we haviing an argument in a dojo? No one, and I mean, no one, except a cop who's about to pull his weapon, changes their stance while having a general Q&A/coonversation. People stiffen, avert their eyes, relax their posture, put their weight on one hip, get in your face, etc, but 'changing stances' isn't something that happens. I don't know why he's so fond of saying that so often, but it is just such an irritant.

Also, don't say something is 'almost -blank-'. An 'almost silver light'. Pick what it is and say it. Simple. Oh, and while I'm on it, don't say everyone is a '-blank- in their own right'. What does that even mean? Was your word count low? Did your editor take a vacation? I just don't get it.

The last Dresden book I'll ever read.

The end.(less)

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Dec 12, 2011 Steven Kent rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror, light-reading, science-fiction

Ah the joy of starting a book you know you will like. Jim Butcher's Dresden Files have never let me down and I suspect they never will.

Harry Dresden, hero of the Dresden files, is Chicago's biggest, baddest wizard, a tall lanky fellow with a cynical and some powerful magic. He often works as a consultant for the Chicago Police--some of whom like him and most of whom don't. Dresden is a warden for the White Court of Wizards, some of whom like him and most of whom don't. He battles evil freelancer...more

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Nov 02, 2011 Paula Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

It seems that Harry and his friend Michael Knight have not seen or heard from each other in Two years and alot has happened as Harry recieves in Proven Guilty , a phonecall from Jail - Charity and Michael Knight's oldest daughter Molly is in prison and needs Harry to bail her and her boyfriend Nelson out. It seems that some dark magic and entities are going down at SplatterCon!!!- the first Horror convention and Nelson is the prime suspect but Molly swears black and blue that he's innocent and w...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Jeff rated it 5 of 5 stars

This novel opens with a brutal scene of a practitioner of black magic -- a teenager -- being executed by the White Council of Wizards, something that does not sit well with Harry Dresden, who has recently been drafted a into said Council.

And apparently there is another practitioner of black magic -- this one in the Chicago area, Harry's home turf. Harry is given the task of finding this person and bringing him/her before the Council.

Harry also gets a call from Molly Carpenter, the daughter of hi...more

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May 31, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is possibly my favorite of the series so far. Harry Dresden has no trouble keeping me entertained for several days – in any of his stories. And the supporting characters usually do nothing but add to the greatness of the series. This book doesn’t only showcase Harry as a great leading man, it doesn’t just utilize the quirky and wonderful supporting cast, it doesn’t simply tell an engrossing story which is littered with magic and humor – it combines all of those into a phantasmagorical conco...more

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May 08, 2011 Michael Greenwell rated it 3 of 5 stars

There is something mildly addictive about a series that just rolls along like life, twistng and turning as it wraps up the juiciest events of an exaggerated existence into an easily consumable package. Butcher weaves such a narrative with deft expertise of long practice, and continues the stride he caught in the previous Dresden book with unexpected grace.

I really enjoy how he has gone back and integrated the less examined elements of the series, such as faerie and the council, into more conside...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Sheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio-book, paranormal

ANOTHER ENJOYABLE HARRY DRESDEN ADVENTURE- FANTASTIC AUDIO PERFORMANCE

Once again, Jim Butcher gives us another exciting Harry Dresden tale. This one is #8 in the series. If you haven't read the others, you won't be completely lost but the "bigger picture" will likely be missing. Unlike in some other series, Butcher doesn't spend a lot of time rehashing what has happened in the previous books. Some references are made here and there but not many details are given. While each novel is it's own "ad...more

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Feb 20, 2011 MB Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Finished reading Proven Guilty (2006) by Jim Butcher this afternoon. This is the eighth book in Butcher’s popular “The Dresden Files” series. I got into this series late, but I’m enjoying it quite a bit.

For quite a while I was mostly ignoring the whole urban fantasy series thing. Then one day I was looking through the videos at Barnes & Noble and I ran across a short lived TV series called “The Dresden Files”. I thought it looked interesting, so I picked it up. The clerk said something abou...more Finished reading Proven Guilty (2006) by Jim Butcher this afternoon. This is the eighth book in Butcher’s popular “The Dresden Files” series. I got into this series late, but I’m enjoying it quite a bit.

For quite a while I was mostly ignoring the whole urban fantasy series thing. Then one day I was looking through the videos at Barnes & Noble and I ran across a short lived TV series called “The Dresden Files”. I thought it looked interesting, so I picked it up. The clerk said something about fans of the books liking it (or not, I don’t remember which) which surprised me because I’d never heard of the books.

So I eventually watched the series (all 12 episodes) and enjoyed it. So I went out and bought the books and I’m enjoying them. The TV show and the books are pretty different in detail, but similar in feeling. Even after eight books (and a couple of short stories) I still visualize the TV images for some of the sets and characters, even when the characters are nothing like the descriptions in the books. My main problem is Karrin Murphy, one of the main recurring characters. The books describe her as five foot nothing and blonde, but in the TV series she was played by five foot eight & brunette Valerie Cruz. But every time she comes on stage in the book, I visual the TV character. I have the same problem with Harry (Harry Dresden, the main character), but it’s not as jarring because the actor’s not as obviously different from the book’s character.

As I mentioned earlier this is urban fantasy. The main character, Harry Dresden is a wizard and a private detective. He doesn’t do love potions or birthday parties, but if you’re being pursued by a supernatural demon he’s the guy to call. In Chicago, he’s the only wizard in the phone book.

The books have vampires a plenty, mostly of the evil blood sucking variety, but a few less nasty (and even friendly) psychic vampires who feed on emotions. There’s the council of old wizards who mostly disapprove of Harry (some with good reason). There’s a gang of fun loving college age werewolves (although not in this book). And there’s Harry God-Mother a Faerie of considerable power. And more.

It sounds pretty formulaic and it probably is, but I like the characters (the good guys, at least). Harry is sort of a noir-ish outcast, for whom nothing is easy. But he blunders on, making at least as many bad decisions as good ones. He’s powerful, but his control could use some work; and finesse is not his strong point. Although the books have their lighter moments, the stories can be pretty dark. Magic is a serious and dangerous business. And no one who practices it is innocent.

The series so far has been good reading. There’re 12 novels and one short story collection, so I’m nearly two-thirds of the way caught up. I read today that Butcher wants to write 20 to 25 books in the series. We’ll see if he can hold my interest that long.
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Jan 26, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This Dresden file was good, but not as good as the last. I'm not going to bother recapping the previous books because there are too many, but only one thing is important to these books. Harry Dresden is a wizard, a real one, living in Chicago and fighting all sorts of badness while trying to maintain his sanity.

A newly appointed Warden for the White Council of Wizards, Harry has been set to a task of finding out where all this new black magic is coming from in Chicago. His search leads him to hi...more This Dresden file was good, but not as good as the last. I'm not going to bother recapping the previous books because there are too many, but only one thing is important to these books. Harry Dresden is a wizard, a real one, living in Chicago and fighting all sorts of badness while trying to maintain his sanity.

A newly appointed Warden for the White Council of Wizards, Harry has been set to a task of finding out where all this new black magic is coming from in Chicago. His search leads him to his friend's daughter Molly, and a scary movie convention. Horror film monsters are coming alive and killing people at the convention. Harry wants to stop them, but when a spell backfires and instead sends them to the home of his friend and more specifically to the same daughter from the movie convention, Harry knows something is terribly wrong.

Drawn into a plot, Harry, the Molly's mother Charity, Murphy and Thomas join up with some Summer faeries to raid Winter faerie kingdom in hope's of finding the girl alive. They encounter brutal monsters along the way and must fight for survival to go into the heart of Winter. Harry can't help but feel they are being used as chess pieces in some kind of plot though. Despite this he continues on as it is unacceptable for him to leave Molly in danger. Once they get her out though, there's no telling what fate will await Molly for breaking the wizarding laws.

Harry once again improves as a character in this book. There are some more Hell's Bells, but not as much as there used to be. He's also tougher and adding in the influence of his demon denarian coin Lasciel makes things interesting and him a more well-rounded character. He's also starting to lose some of his gullibility. Molly I did not like as a character. I realize Butcher had to have certain motivations for her but I just didn't really care about her as a character. The other characters had lesser parts but they were all well written.

Butcher as a writer is very descriptive. Thankfully, in his later books he has stopped detailing what Harry is wearing, what he looks like, etc. because with Harry as a narrator, it just wasn't very genuine. First person stories should not focus to much on themselves in my opinion. As far as plot goes, this book was good but somewhat unbelievable at the end.

I have come to enjoy the Dresden Files very much. They started out weak but have been getting stronger and stronger with every book. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Proven Guilty
Copyright 2006
479 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2010 (less)

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Oct 02, 2010 Johnny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, mystery

Unlike Christine O’Donnell, I’ve never “dabbled” in magic. It doesn’t fit my world-view. Oh, I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m not a positivist by any means. I’m just saying that the idea of magic doesn’t fit my idea of authentic accomplishment. Even if one could wield awesome power, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t be the wielder of power who was being used rather than the supernatural source of the power. So, since this isn’t something I would seek in real-life, I feel perfectly free to play fa...more Unlike Christine O’Donnell, I’ve never “dabbled” in magic. It doesn’t fit my world-view. Oh, I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m not a positivist by any means. I’m just saying that the idea of magic doesn’t fit my idea of authentic accomplishment. Even if one could wield awesome power, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t be the wielder of power who was being used rather than the supernatural source of the power. So, since this isn’t something I would seek in real-life, I feel perfectly free to play fantasy games and read fantasy novels where people do so. In all honesty, I think it gives me a chance to patronizingly shake my head when people in fantasy novels mess up in a disproportionately large way compared to my personal goof-ups.

So, I love Harry Dresden. Harry is the perpetual underdog. He has the fortitude of one of the classic detectives of Hammett (Sam Spade) or Chandler (Philip Marlowe) complete with their figurative propensity for being knights in rusty armor. I like the fact that he cares without being judgmental, as well as the fact that he doesn’t settle for the traditions and assumptions of other wizards.

Proven Guilty is a novel about the invasiveness of fear. The supernatural incursion faced by Harry and his allies is rooted in the experience of each victim’s fears and the appearance of the horrors is dictated by the appearance of monsters in horror movies. Fear, then, becomes an invitation to the very beings that wanted to destroy one.

And I particularly liked this one because there was a power that completely derailed Harry. One of the characters prays to God and the answer to her prayer proves so efficacious that it sends ripples (maybe waves) through Harry’s normal sense of order. He discovers that faith is the antithesis of fear. In this book, faith trumps magic. Harry doesn’t give up magic. Indeed, from his perspective, that’s not possible. However, he discovers that everything cannot be manipulated.

Now, the faith/magic confrontation is a very minor theme in the book, so don’t let me discourage you from reading it if you don’t happen to agree with that idea. It resonates with me, but the most exciting aspects of the book have to do with a rebellious teenager who seems so much like Harry in his troubled youth and the ongoing war between the Red Court (vicious vampires) and the White Council (the…uh…sort of, good guys). Harry has been recruited into the council and he isn’t sure that he likes it. Yes, that’s another thing I like about this series—the struggle between authority and personal responsibility. And, indeed, the main quest in this novel hinges on that struggle.

Another distinctive in Proven Guilty is that even though it is modern fantasy set in Chicago of the 21st century, one section of the quest demands a foray into the heart of the supernatural world. The descriptions of this winter kingdom and the diabolical tortures undergone by those who run afoul of the mad faerie queen in that kingdom are exquisite. I truly believe Butcher was at the top of his game in this book.
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May 23, 2010 William Bentrim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden finds one of his staunchest supporters family is in danger. As a new Warden he finds his distaste for the way the White Council handles dissidents. When Michael’s daughter finds her snagged in Council and Fairy politics, Harry finds himself over his head again.

Butcher causes Harry to question his value system in each and every book. Soul searching seems to be a hallmark. Insurmountable odds and monumental tasks are also in each book. In spite of a simil...more

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Dec 23, 2009 Grey rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is the eighth book in the Dresden Files series. And this is arguably when it starts to get noticeably bad. Then again, any reader who has been following the series up to this book will probably not stop for any kind of review, patronising or otherwise.

The Harry character has come far since the earlier books, which were done in a kind of semi-serious, noir mix of detective cheese with wizardry thrown. Everyone loves a struggling underdog who suffers for doing the right thing. But by somewher...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Matt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This story was about Harry being forced to come to grips with the responsibilities of being a Warden. The daughter of his friend Thomas, Molly, comes into her own magical powers without assistance. In an effort to help a friend she accidentally breaks one of the laws of magic - she uses mind control to get her girl friend off of heroin. Harry faces the terrible task of turning her over to the council for judgment, and facing her mother, Charity, down.

While all of this is going down, the war with...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Vivian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2011

I can't believe this is already the 8th of the series, and the books are still as strong as ever. In this one, Dresden is multi-tasking like there's no tomorrow - he's got to figure out who is using black magic, what's going on between the Red Court and the fae, and stop the invisible monsters attacking the horror convention. On top of that, there's all the personal drama in his life with Thomas, Murphy, Michael's family, and the demon (literally) inside his head. That makes for one slightly ove...more

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Nov 15, 2009 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, fantasy-urban

This is more of a 3.5 than an out and out four.

Butcher's Dresden Files are enjoyable. They are usually funny and contain wonderful comments and nods to pop fiction as well as SF and fantasy. The characters are belivable and well drawn, both men and women. In many ways, this series reminds of Farscape.

In this additon to the series, Butcher takes it to a slightly darker place, continuing the trend that was begun in the previous book Dead Beat. There is a contiunation of Harry's sharing space with...more This is more of a 3.5 than an out and out four.

Butcher's Dresden Files are enjoyable. They are usually funny and contain wonderful comments and nods to pop fiction as well as SF and fantasy. The characters are belivable and well drawn, both men and women. In many ways, this series reminds of Farscape.

In this additon to the series, Butcher takes it to a slightly darker place, continuing the trend that was begun in the previous book Dead Beat. There is a contiunation of Harry's sharing space with a Fallen Angel (which really reminds me of Farscape). The war between the Council and the Red Court continues, and Harry is adjusting to his life as a Warden. Several character make return appearances, including Michael, Charity, Murphy, Rawlins, Thomas, Mouse, and Mister. Additionally, Butcher gives us hints about what other supporting characters are doing (finally). There are also hints at future developments for some of these characters. Butcher also gives backstory that is clear and concise. It works for a first time reader or a established fan.

The main plot of the novel concerns a series of attacks and killings that take place at a Horror Convention. These attacks seem to be commited by the actual killers from the horror movies. This allows Butcher to work in several funny lines about horror movies. It also reminded me strongly of the Friday the 13th and Poltergeist the Legacy tv shows. Also connected to the conventation is Michael's daughter Molly. Molly allows Butcher and Harry to examine the consequences of rules and power as well as justice (and yes, there is a Stan Lee reference).

What I particularly enjoyed about this book, however, is the development of the character of Charity. Charity reveals a few things about herself that make her discomfort and dislike of Harry make sense. Butcher also takes care to show her as more than simply a supportive wife. What is more important, the revealtions fit the character and make sense. It isn't one of those deus ex machina type of a things.

There were some things I didn't like. The first is that the book felt a little dense. It didn't really take off until 150 pages in. Not that that the first 150 pages were bad; they weren't, but they didn't move as quickly as the rest of the book. The second concerns Murphy. Mr. Butcher, I enjoy your books. I know not everyone reads them in order, so it is necessary that you have to point out that Murphy is small. But do you really have to do it everytime she makes an appearance in the book? She is maybe two inches shorter than me, but I was convinced at the end of this book she is the size of my thumb. Mr Butcher trust your readers to pay attention, please.

The last thing I didn't like concerns both Murphy and Harry. Considering Harry's jealousy in the last book, it is not surprising that some reference is made to a possible relationship between the two. It is, of course, no real resolution to the question. While the conversations didn't seem to pander to female readers the same way that The Lies of Locke Lamora does, it felt a little forced. Either have them boink or not. If you want sexual tension, fine. But don't keep taking about it. Too many other books do this. And women readers do not always need or want the element of romance. It is nice to see a man and a woman be friends without either one being homosexual. I hope that this question is either resolved quickly or dropped in future books of the series. Other writers such as Kim Harrison write books where relationships are constantly being discussed and sorted out in each book. While some of that is fine, if it is the same topic being rehashed in each book with no resolution, it gets old. I hope that Butcher doesn't fall into this trap.(less)

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Jan 17, 2013 Wickedshizuku rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal fans, Urban Fantasy fans, Fantasy fans, Science Fiction fans

Recommended to Wickedshizuku by: Goodreads

Shelves: 2013, paranormal, reviewed

I don't know what it is about this series. I just can not stop reading it. For some strange reason I keep expecting Harry to have a pudding moment, you know like this...

photo tumblr_lowwqt3e1U1qhgrclo5_250_zpsf4e2b97f.gif

For a good majority of the plot I was doing this...

To me I thought that most had established that Molly had the gift two books back when Harry squatted in the tree house. It was just ironing out the details of which parent was magically inclined. Other than that the book was golden.

Jim Butcher I swear you can not kill off Mouse...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have loved the Harry Dresden character and the stories around his life. However, they have become more and more dark and depressing as the series has progressed.

Harry is once again caught up despite his best efforts in the complex and deadly politics of the various supernatural factions that live in his world. This time, Harry's friend Michael's family becomes caught up in what could be a mini-war between unknown factions.

Needless to say, Harry jumps fearlessly into the breach to save those he...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Thara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist

I have to wonder if Butcher ever pauses in the middle of writing and gleefully applauds himself. The man can write. I continually found myself pulled out of the story because the execution was so good that I had to pause to admire it. Excellent character development, superb description, well-developed and believable plot (given that you're reading about wizards practicing in Chicago, natch).

I've been reading the Dresden Files out of order because my local library doesn't have all the books and...more

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About Jim Butcher

A martial arts enthusiast whose resume includes a long list of skills rendered obsolete at least two hundred years ago, Jim Butcher turned to writing as a career because anything else probably would have driven him insane. He lives in Independence, Missouri, with his wife, his son, and a ferocious guard dog.

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